Muharram 2025: Reflection & Renewal
What is Muharram?
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. This month holds deep historical and spiritual significance. In Arabic, Muharram translates to ‘forbidden,’ referring to the prohibition of violence and warfare during this time
When is Muharram 2025?
This year, Muharram is anticipated to begin Friday, June 27, 2025. This is based on the sighting of the moon and is subject to change.
What is the Significance of Muharram?
Muharram marks the Islamic New Year. It is a time for spiritual renewal and reflection. Depending on the Islamic sect, this month may be commemorated differently.
For Shia Muslims, this month is a time of mourning, as it marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his family during the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The first ten days have deep spiritual significance, specifically the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), a day to remember the injustice that was endured during the Battle of Karbala.
For Sunni Muslims, Muharram is also a sacred month, with a focus on spiritual renewal, as it is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is also a time to commemorate the day when Prophet Musa (as) and the Israelites were saved from the Pharaoh’s tyranny.
Key dates during Muharram 2025
1st Muharram: The Islamic New Year begins (Hijri 1447). It is expected to take place on June 27, 2025.
9th Muharram: Recommended day for fasting. It is expected to take place July 5, 2025.
10th Muharram: The Day of Ashura commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as), along with his family and companions in Karbala. It also commemorates the rescue of Prophet Musa (as) and the Israelites from Pharaoh. Recommended day for fasting (for Sunni Muslims). It is expected to take place July 6, 2025.
11th Muharram: Recommended day for fasting. It is expected to take place July 7, 2025.
What is the Day of Ashura?
In Arabic, Ashura translates to ‘tenth,’ referring specifically to The Day of Ashura. This day holds immense significance for both Shia and Sunni Muslims.
For Shia Muslims, the Day of Ashura is a day of mourning and remembrance of Imam Hussain (as) along with his family and companions. It is commemorated through rituals such as processions and gatherings to pay tribute the sacrifice. Shia Muslims see the Day of Ashura as a day of grief and a time to reflect on the injustice that took place during the Battle of Karbala.
While Sunni Muslims acknowledge the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as), they tend to observe it differently than Shia Muslims. On this day, Sunni Muslims commemorate when Prophet Musa (as) and the Israelites were saved from the Pharaoh's oppression by the parting of the Red Sea.
Learn more: The Day of Ashura 2025
When is the Day of Ashura?
The Day of Ashura is expected to take place July 6, 2025. This is based on the sighting of the moon and is subject to change.
What is the Battle of Karbala?
The Battle of Karbala took place in 680 CE in Iraq where Imam Hussain (as), along with many of his family members and companions were brutally killed by the army of the Ummayyad caliph.
What is the significance of the Battle of Karbala?
There are many lessons learned from the Battle of Karbala. It is a significant event in Islamic history, as it shows sacrifice and courage, while standing for truth during times of oppression. Imam Hussain’s (as) sacrifice, along with that of his family and companions, is a reminder that leadership is rooted in values, not power.
What is Hijrah Sharif?
Hijrah Sharif marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar, beginning with the month of Muharram. Hijrah Sharif refers to Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. While this migration did not take place during the month of Muharram, the Islamic calendar was established during the year of the Hijrah and this month was chosen to be the start of the Islamic New Year. Though Hijrah didn’t technically occur during Muharram, it is still a time to reflect on the significance of the migration that established the Islamic calendar.
Virtues of Muharram
Zakat during Muharram
Giving Zakat during the month of Muharram is especially virtuous, since this month is one of the sacred months. Many Muslims choose to offer their Zakat during this time to earn additional spiritual rewards, especially around the Day of Ashura. For Shia Muslims, the Day of Ashura emphasizes the importance of charity as a form of remembering Imam Hussain (as) along with his family and companions during the Battle of Kerbala.
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Sadaqah during Muharram
Many Muslims choose to give Sadaqah during Muharram to honor the sacredness of this month. Giving Sadaqah during the Day of Ashura is a way to express compassion and support those in need. These values resonate with the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) along with his family and companions during the Battle of Karbala.
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Reading the Quran during Muharam
It is highly recommended to recite the holy Quran during this sacred month. Muharram is a time for spiritual renewal and provides an opportunity to strengthen one's connection with Allah (swt) through the teachings of the Quran.
Fasting During Muharram and on the Day of Ashura
It is highly recommended to fast during the month of Muharram. Prophet Muhamamd (saw) said that after Ramadan, the most rewarding fasts are those observed in Muharram (Sahih Muslim).
Shia Muslims generally do not fast on the Day of Ashura, as it is associated with grief and mourning. For Sunni Muslims, however, fasting is recommended on this day to follow the practice of Prophet Muhammad (saw). It is also highly virtuous to fast on the 9th and 11th of Muharram.
Muharram and Charitable Giving
Charity during this sacred month is highly encouraged, as Muharram is rooted in values of compassion and unity. There is no better way to honor the sacrifices made by helping vulnerable communities around the world. Support families affected by conflict in Gaza and Yemen, as well as displaced Syrian refugees who need your assistance more than ever.
During the Battle of Karbala, where the children of the Prophet's (saw) family were orphaned, makes it particularly relevant to sponsor orphans during this time. You can also provide essentials such as food and water to those in need.
Your contributions help relieve hardship, impacting communities near and far.
